Recently in Irish Country Living, we wrote about the increasing number of gluten-free products now available on the market for coeliacs. The Coeliac Society of Ireland Food List, which acts as a shopping guide, now covers over 3,500 products available in supermarkets, health stores and independent retailers in Ireland. That’s an increase of about 900 products in the last 10 years.

However, it’s not just the quantity that is growing, the quality has improved substantially in recent years and this month the very best in this niche market were announced at the first ever FreeFrom awards.

Free-from

With 40 categories, the awards, which gave careful consideration to taste, texture and aroma, help the consumer discern the best foods out of an array of offerings in the free-from section of the supermarket.

Furthermore, the products weren’t just limited to gluten-free, with those who are lactose intolerant also being catered for.

The much coveted product of the year was awarded to Rule of Crumb from Northern Ireland for their gluten-free salted caramel and chocolate profiteroles, whereas BFree took home the prize for product range of the year.

Some other Irish companies also faired very well, especially the Foods of Athenry from Galway, run by Paul and Siobhan Lawless who were previously dairy farmers. They won the top prize in four categories; biscuits and cookies, crackers and crispbreads, innovation and raw and superfoods.

Top prizes

Dee’s Wholefoods from Ballincollig in Co Cork and Mash Direct from Co Down also took home top prizes.

Interestingly, some companies dominated certain categories, with Kelkin winning the top three prizes in the rice and corn cakes category, Greene Farm Foods in the cold meats category, while Dunnes Stores excelled in fish products. Aldi won the top two slots for value with their Has No gluten free white bread and Has No coffee cake.

Finally, when it comes to crisps, Tayto still comes out on top, even in the free-from range, winning the top prize for their Bistro crushed sea salt and aged vinegar crisps.

For more information, log on to www.fffa.ie